Defending champions, Renault e.dams have been front-runners in the Formula E Championship ever since its inception, and are on course to be front-runners and the team to beat in season three of the all-electric series if preseason testing is anything to go by.
The French team are one of only two teams (the other being ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport) to maintain the same driver pairing throughout the series to date. Defending Drivers Champion, Sébastien Buemi and Nicolas Prost head into season three as instant contenders, whilst the latter will be looking to challenge his Swiss teammate more often this time around.
The inaugural season of the all-electric series saw Sébastien Buemi battle NEXTEV TCR’s Nelson Piquet Jr. to be crowned the inaugural Formula E Champion.
Brazilian driver, Piquet Jr. had a consistent season – finishing in the points in all but one race (which was a DNF) – whilst Buemi’s results were less consistent compared to his title rival, as he suffered two DNF’s and one 12th placed finish. Despite the Swiss driver picking up more victories, Piquet Jr. won the championship by one point in a final race showdown on the streets of Battersea Park, however, Renault e.dams were able to pick up the teams crown.
Nicolas Prost took his maiden victory that season in Miami and also finished second in Buenoe Aires, but he failed to register another podium finish that season, eventually finishing the season in a comfortable sixth place with 70 points.
The 2015/16 season saw Renault e.dams produce the best overall package, and from preseason testing it was noticeable how much catching up the rest of the field had on their hands. Sébastien Buemi once again found himself locked in a battle for the title, this time with Brazilian driver, Lucas di Grassi.
Many would argue Renault e.dams and Buemi should’ve wrapped up the title long before the final rounds of the season in London, however, the expectations of poles and wins with the superior package seemed to get to the Swiss driver as he only took three poles in ten rounds, often having to battle through the field in a car that ultimately should’ve won more races than it actually did (5/10).
Buemi eventually ended up winning the title by two points, with a disqualification for di Grassi in Mexico playing a decisive role in the championship.
Whilst his teammate and Lucas di Grassi were fighting it out for the title, Nicolas Prost ended the season strongly by taking back to back wins in London, giving himself a much-needed boost heading into season three of the series.
To date, Renault e.dams are the most successful Formula E team – with one Drivers Championship, two teams titles and nine victories – and they are on track to add more success in season three.
Find out more about preseason testing, their drivers and our season expectations for the French team.
